(program23 correspondent - tripp norris)
BBOB
(Brantley Bulldogs over Bobcats)
Baseball Varsity Boys = Brantley 8 Opp 4

On a cloudy and over cast day, Opp (11-9) traveled to Brantley Thursday afternoon to take on the 1A #3 ranked Brantley Bulldogs. The Bobcats came in more focused for this game than the last time they met the Bulldogs.

Both teams would go down in order in the first inning. Zack Sasser got the first hit of the game with one out in the top of the second. Opp would fail to bring him around as Brantley would get the final two outs and end the inning and the Bobcat threat.

Brantley would score first in the bottom of the second inning. A double and single would lead to the first five batters reaching base with one coming around to score. After a walk with the bases loaded to make the score 3-0, Brantley's Anthony Gulley would clear the bases with one swing hitting a double to left field that gave the Bulldogs a 6-0 lead after two innings.

The Bobcats would answer back in the top of the fourth inning with a rally. With neither team threatening in the third Opp came to bat trailing 6-0 but would get on the board quickly. Gavin Free led off the inning with a single followed by Mark Linton who also singled. Cody Hall would be hit by a pitch to load the bases for Opp.

With the bases loaded Zack Sasser would also be hit by a pitch to bring in the first Opp run of the game. Joe Kyser would bring in the second run with a base hit to right center field scoring Linton from third base.

Spencer Youman would follow Kyser with hard hit ball to shortstop that would bring home another run. With the score 6-3 and two outs Nicky Archie would also get a clutch base hit to drive in another run. The Bobcats would score four runs in the inning to cut the Bulldog lead to 6-4 after four innings of play. Brantley would change pitchers after the Bobcats four run fourth inning.

 Neither team would threaten in the fifth and Opp would go quietly in the sixth. With one out in the bottom of the sixth inning Brantley struck for two singles in a row. The second one however came on a bunt with a close call at first base. With the runner safe on the play, Brantley had two on with just one out.

After giving up a walk Brantley loaded the bases and would take full advantage of the two breaks they received. Anthony Gulley would single to left field driving in two more runs for the Bulldogs giving him five RBIs on the day, and extending Brantley's lead to 8-4 heading into the seventh.

The Bobcats would go in down order in the top of the seventh inning giving Brantley the win 8-4. The Bobcats were led by Zack Sasser who went 2 for 3 at the plate with 2 singles, a hit by pitch, an RBI, a stolen base, and a run scored. On the mound Joe Kyser got his first start of the season going an inning a 2/3 giving up 6 runs on 4 hits with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts. Spencer Youmans came in relief going 4 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits with just 1 walk and 2 strikeouts.

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Baseball Varsity Boys =
Ashford 4 Opp 2

Taking a perfect area record into last Tuesday's final area matchup Opp (11-8) played Ashford in the final area game of the season for the Bobcats. Opp had already clinched the area title coming into the game so this game would be for bragging rights between the two teams.

With two outs in the bottom of the first inning, the Bobcats looked to get on the board early loading the bases. Ashford would make the final out on a pop up to right field to end the early Bobcat threat. In the second inning the Bobcats and Yellow Jackets each got two runners aboard but both team would hold the other one from scoring.

Opp got two runners on via walks and Ashford got two aboard with two singles. The Bobcats would break the scoreless tie in the bottom of the third inning. Mark Linton walked to being the inning followed by a Zack Sasser walk with one out. Joe Kyser would bring the tie with a single to left field that would score Linton for the game's first run.

The 1-0 lead would hold until the top of the fifth inning with both team going down in order in the fourth. A costly Bobcat error in the top of the fifth allowed Ashford to score their first run of the game tying the game at 1-1. Opp would respond in the bottom of the fifth when Mark Linton singled to right field to lead off the inning. Base hits by Zack Sasser and Joe Kyser followed scoring Linton as the Bobcats retook the lead at 2-1 heading into the sixth.

Ashford would lead off the top of the sixth with two straight singles. With one out the Yellow Jackets struck with a base hit that would bring in two runs giving them a 3-2 lead after six innings. Ashford would strike again in the top of the seventh with a double to lead off and that runner would come around to score as Ashford would take a 4-2 lead into the bottom of the seventh. The Bobcats looked to make a comeback in the bottom of the seventh. Gavin Free led off the inning as he was hit by a pitch.

Singles by Mark Linton and Cody Hall loaded the bases with no outs. With all the momentum in Opp's favor a comeback win seemed to be inevitable. Ashford would bring their ace pitcher into the game with the bases loaded and no outs. Needing a miracle Ashford got one as they struck out the next three Opp batters in a row to hold on and win the game 4-2 giving the Bobcats their only area defeat of the season. Despite the area loss the Bobcats are still the area champions and will still host a first round playoff game on Friday. The Bobcats were led by Mark Linton who went a perfect 2 for 2 at the plate reaching base in all 4 plate appearances with 2 walks and 2 singles. Linton has also had a stolen base and scored both of the Bobcat runs in the game. On the mound Gavin Free went the distance giving up 4 runs on 8 hits with 2 walks, a hit batter, and 4 strikeouts.

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Baseball Varsity Boys
Opp 10 Northview 6



In a make up game from the first week of the season Opp (11-7) took on 6A Northview High School out of Dothan last Monday afternoon. Coming off of the loss to Brantley the week before the Bobcats looked to make a statement before the playoffs began.

The game began with Northview getting two runners aboard with a double and a Bobcat error. Opp would come back and get the third out on a Cody Hall strikeout to end the Cougar threat in the top of the first inning. Gaving Free got the Bobcats rolling in the bottom of the first reaching on a Cougar error with one out. Cody Hall helped his case out tripling to the deepest part of the park in centerfield scoring Free and giving Opp a 1-0 lead.

Zack Sasser reached on an error scoring Hall in the process. Sasser would come around to score on a Joe Kyser single giving Opp a 3-0 lead after one inning of play. Northview put one on the board in the top of the second on a double to start the inning followed by a Bobcat error as the Cougars cut the lead to 3-1. Opp would get the run back in the bottom of the second inning. Josh Dunn singled with one out and he would come around to score on a Mark Linton triple to centerfield to give the Bobcats a 4-1 lead heading to the third inning.

After getting Northview 1-2-3 in the top of the third Opp looked to put the game out of reach in the bottom half of the inning. In what looked like a 1-2-3 inning for Northview the Bobcats would start a rally with two outs. Three straight Bobcat runners reached base on two walks and a hit by pitch. Singles by Josh Dunn and Gavin Free would bring home four runners in the inning opening the Bobcat lead up to seven runs at 8-1. The fourth inning would see a pair of homeruns by each team one by Northview and one by Opp's Cody Hall, his second of the year, as the Bobcats maintained a seven point lead at 9-2 heading to the fifth.

After a quiet fifth inning Opp retired Northview in the top of the sixth, and came to bat in the bottom half of the inning looking for more. Pinch hitter Ryan McMulloch was hit by a pitch to start the inning. He would come around to score Opp's final run of the game on a Sam Helms single to give Opp a command 10-2 lead heading to the last inning. Opp got the first two outs of the inning with relative ease but then Northview began an attempt at a comeback as they scored four runs to cut the Bobcat lead to 10-6. Pitcher Cody hall would depart the game with two outs as Spencer Youmans was brought in to pick up the final out. Youmans faced one batter and would strike him out to end the game as Opp picked up the win 10-6. The Bobcats were led by Cody Hall who went 2 for 4 at the plate with a triple and a homerun, and RBI, and 2 runs scored. Josh Dunn also went 2 for 4 at the plate with 2 singles, a stolen base, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored. On the mound Hall went 6 and 2/3 innings giving up 6 runs on 9 hits with 3 walks and 10 strikeouts. Spencer Youmans closed the game striking out the only batter he faced.

Baseball JV Boys
Northview 6 Opp 2

In their final game of the season the Opp (8-5) looked to go out a winner. Standing in their way would be the Northview Cougars who struck first in the top of the first inning. Northview got a run in the top of the first inning on two singles as they took a 1-0 lead after one inning of play. In the second inning Northview would take advantage of two walks to start the inning with two singles that would give the Cougars a 3-0 lead heading into the third inning. Northview would strike again in the top of the third inning as they added three more hits and two more runs to take control of the game at 5-0 after three innings. The Cougars would get their sixth and final run of the game in the top of the fourth inning on a Bobcat error as Northview added to their lead 6-0 with Opp coming to bat in the bottom of the fourth. Opp's bats came alive in the bottom of the fourth as they got a single and added two more runners by way of a hit by pitch, but would fail to score any runs in the inning. Northview held their lead at 6-0 heading to the fifth inning. With one last chance Opp looked to mount a comeback in the bottom of the fifth inning. Opp got the lead off batter aboard leading to a double by Lance Robbins which would put the Bobcats on the board at 6-1. Alex Banks walked and Robbins would score on a passed ball to cut the Cougar lead to 6-2. Northview would recover and retire the next three batters ending the game and picking up the win 6-2. The JV Bobcats finished the 2008 season with an overall record of 8-5, including the 2008 Basebrawl tournament championship.

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Bobcats claw Greenville
Opp 13 Greenville 3

The Opp (8-6) varsity baseball team was back in action Monday afternoon after a few days off against the 5A Greenville Tigers. The game began quickly as the first inning was over on just thirteen pitches thrown by both teams.

Opp retired Greenville in order in the top of the second inning as the Bobcats came to bat in the bottom of the second looking to score.  The first four batters in the bottom of the second would all reach base for Opp. The Bobcats would send ten batters to the plate scoring five runs on five hits along with a hit batter and a walk to take a 5-0 lead after two innings.

Greenville would get two runs in the top of the third on two Bobcat errors in the field to cut the lead to 5-2 as Opp came up in the bottom of the third looking for more runs. Mark Linton and Spencer Youmans each got a base hit to lead off the bottom of the third. A walk to Joe Kyser would load the bases with no outs.

Three straight fielder choice plays led to two Bobcat runs as Opp would extend their led back to five runs at 7-2 after three innings. A lead off double by Greenville would eventually come around to score their third and final run of the game cutting the Bobcat lead to 7-3. After Greenville retired the first batter in the top of the fourth Opp would get four straight hits to go along with a couple of walks as they looked to close the door on the Tigers.

The Bobcats would eventually score five runs in the inning to take full command of the game at 12-3. Needing just one run to end the game in five innings Spencer Youmans struck out the side in the top of the fifth. Zack Sasser would reach on an error to start the fifth inning.

After a Cody Hall sacrifice moved Sasser to second base he would come around to score the game ending run on a Mark Linton single. Spencer Youmans was the story for Opp both at the plate and on the mound going a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate with 3 singles and 3 runs scored. On the mound Youmans went the distance giving up 3 runs, of which only 1 was earned, on 2 hits with no walks and 5 strikeouts.

Opp Baseball Pictures

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BOBCATS ON FIRE
(Game 1) = Opp 17 Hillcrest-Evergreen 0

Opp (6-6) played a double header against Hillcrest of Evergreen and the Bobcats would pour on the offense in game one. Bobcat starting pitcher Cody Hall would strike out the side in the top of the first inning. The Bobcats went to work quickly in the bottom of the first scoring three runs on three hits and taking advantage of two Jaguar errors to jump out to a 3-0 after one inning. Neither team would threaten in the second as Opp came to bat in the third inning looking for more. In the bottom of the third the first three Opp batter all got base hits. All three would come around to score along with another run to make the score 7-0 after three innings. The biggest inning of the season came next for the Bobcats. Opp would score ten runs in the inning all capped off by Cody Hall's first home run of the season, a two run shot to deep left field. Opp sent thirteen batters to the plate and left no one on base in the bottom of the fourth. The Jaguars went down quietly in the top of the fifth and Opp got its most lopsided win of the season winning the game 17-0. The Bobcats were led by Cody Hall both at the plate and on the mound. Hall went 4 for 4 at the plate including 2 doubles, a triple, a 2 run home run and 4 runs scored. On the mound Hall pitched a no hitter, and came within one walk away from pitching a perfect game. He faced only 16 batters in five innings. Zack Sasser also had a big game at the plate going 3 for 3 with 3 hits, a walk and 4 runs scored.

Opp 13 Hillcrest-Evergreen 2

The second game would see Hillcrest jump out to a 2-0 before Opp (7-6) would get a turn at bat. The Bobcats would make up for a sloppy first inning of play in the field with three runs in the bottom of the first inning right off the bat. The first three batters all reached base, and all three would come around to score to give the Bobcats a 3-2 after one inning. This would be the closest the score would be for the remainder of the game. In the bottom of the second inning the Bobcats came up to bat looking for more runs. Taking advantage of stolen bases and Jaguar errors the Bobcats sent five runs across in the second inning along with sending ten batters to the plate to extend their lead to 8-2 after two innings. Opp would add one more run in the bottom of the third inning as Erwin Spears singled to lead off the inning. He would come around to score on a Daniel Langford base hit to left field giving Opp a 9-2 lead heading to the fourth. The Bobcats slammed the door shut in the bottom of the fourth as the first four batters reached base with four straigh base hits highlighted by Sam Helms's triple to drive in two runs. Opp would score four in the bottom of the fourth and pitcher Sam Helms would allow two runners to reach base in the top of the fifth. He would strike out the last Jaguar batter to end the game in five innings giving Opp the win 13-2 and completing the sweep of Hillcrest-Evergreen. This game would see many of the younger Bobcat players leading the way as most of the starters got a much needed rest in game two. The Bobcats were led by Ewrin Spears who went 2 for 3 at the plate with 2 singles, and 2 runs scored. Josh Dunn went 2 for 2 at the plate with 2 singles and 2 runs scored as well. On the mound Sam Helms went the distance giving up 2 runs on 4 hits with no walks and 5 strikeouts.

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Baseball Varsity Boys
Andalusia 4 Opp 3

Last Monday night Opp (5-6) traveled to Andalusia for the rematch from three weeks ago. This game would be a defensive game from beginning to end. Both teams would manage to get only one runner aboard in the first inning. Opp got a walk and Andalusia got a base hit. The Bobcats looked to score a run in the second when Mark Linton was hit by a pitch to start the inning, and then he would go on to steal second base. The Bulldogs would retire the next three batters ending the inning. Andalusia would go down 1-2-3 in the second inning as well. Opp got runners on first and third with a pair of walks but failed to score as they would be turned away again by a strikeout to end the inning. After Andalusia went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the third, Opp got the bats going in the top of the fourth inning. Mark Linton tripled to lead off the inning and would be driven in on Joe Kyser single to center field to give the Bobcats a 1-0 lead. Garrett Blair would draw a walk and would come around to score on a Josh Dunn single to left field putting the Bobcats up 2-0 heading to the fifth. Neither team would threaten in the fifth inning as Opp maintained its 2-0 lead into the sixth inning. Opp got two more runners on base in the top of the sixth but would be turned away again by a strikeout to end the inning. In the bottom of the sixth Andalusia managed to get its first run across on the only Bobcat error of the game cutting the Bobcat lead to 2-1 heading into the seventh and final inning. The Bobcats responded as Cody Hall was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Hall would come around to score on another Joe Kyser single this time to right field giving the Bobcats a 3-1 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh. After getting the first out with ease the Bobcats gave up a walk and two singles to push another fun across and put the tying and winning runs aboard. Opp would then strikeout the next batter setting up for the game's final at bat. With two outs Andalusia drove a shot into center field that brought home the tying run and then the Bobcats tried to end the inning by cutting the throw to home off and gunning down an Bulldog runner at third base. Instead the throw would be wide and the ball got by the third baseman allowing Andalusia to score the winning run and win the game 4-3 on the last at bat. The Bobcats were led by Joe Kyser who went 2 for 4 at the plate with 2 RBIs on 2 singles. On the mound Gavin Free went the distance giving up 4 runs on 7 hits with just 1 walk, a hit batter and 8 strikeouts.




Baseball JV Boys = Opp 8 Andalusia 4 (6 innings)


Fresh off of their Basebrawl Tournament win the Opp (7-3) JV traveled back to Andalusia last Monday to take on the Bulldog JV team for the second time in three days. After the Bobcats loaded the bases and failed to score in the top of the first inning, it would be Andalusia who would strike first in the bottom of the first. A walk followed by a Bobcat error and two base hits quickly put Andalusia up 2-0 at the end of one inning. In the top of the second inning Opp went to work with a single to start the inning and a walk to the next batter which did not sit well with one of the Andalusia assistant coaches. Before the next batter came to the batter's box for Opp the Andalusia assistant would be tossed from the game. This would enable Opp to get a favorable call on a close call at first base in which Zack Banks was ruled safe on the play. With the bases now loaded Hunter Wilson came to the plate and would clear the bases with one swing of the bat hitting a triple to score all three runners and give Opp a 3-2 lead. Wilson would come around to score as well giving the Bobcats a 4-2 lead going into the bottom of the second inning. The Bulldogs came back to tie the game a 4-4 on three base hits and walk in the bottom of the second. Both teams would go down quietly in the third, fourth, and fifth innings as the score remained tied at 4-4 heading into extra innings. Opp wasted no time in the top of the sixth scoring four runs in the inning capped off by Brady Hall's base hit on a Bulldog error that drove in the final run for the Bobcats. The Bulldogs were not able to respond in the bottom of the sixth as Opp got a 1-2-3 inning to end the game and pick up the win 8-4 in six innings. The Bobcats were led by Dillan Ziglar who went 2 for 3 at the plate reaching on an error, with two hits, a hit by pitch, and a run scored. Alex Banks and Hunter Wilson both went 2 for 4 at the plate each with 2 hits and 2 runs scored. On the mound Hunter Jones went the distance giving up 4 runs on 7 hits with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts.


Opp Defeats Tigers in Red Level
Sporting News on Program23

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JV Basebrawl Tournament

Baseball JV Boys = Opp 8 Andalusia 1
Last Saturday the Opp (4-3) JV Boys traveled to Andalusia to participate in the annual Basebrawl tournament at Andalusia High School. In the first game Opp met the host team Bulldogs in a count rival matchup.

Neither team would threaten in the first inning as Opp went down in order and Andalusia got runners on first and second and could not get a run to score. A Bulldog error got a run home for Opp in the top of the second inning when a Hunter Wilson grounder was mishandled by the first baseman.

Garrett Grider would bring Wilson home two batters later with a single to give Opp a 1-0 lead after two innings. Opp would get two more runs in the third inning with two hits to lead off the inning followed by three more singles. Opp loaded the bases with one out but only managed to push two runs across to take a 3-0 lead after three innings. The Bobcats started out the fourth inning much like the third as three of the first four batters reached base two more runs came across to score giving Opp a 5-0 lead.

Andalusia would get their lone run in the bottom of the fourth on a single and an RBI double to cut the lead to 5-1. In the fifth inning Opp responded back in a big way scoring three runs in the inning with all of them coming across to score with two outs. Down 8-1 Andalusia looked to possibly make a comeback in the bottom of the fifth as they loaded the bases with one out, but Opp would get the second out on a pop up to first base and then the final out of the game came on a fly out to right field giving Opp the win 8-1 over Andalusia. The JV Bobcats were led by Josh Thompson who went 3 for 4 at the plate with 3 singles, an RBI, and 3 runs scored. Alex Banks went 2 for 2 reaching on an error with 2 doubles, and 3 runs scored.


Baseball JV Boys = Opp 9 Enterprise 1

As a result of Enterprise beating Andalusia in the previous game the third and final game of the 2008 Basebrawl tournament between the Opp (5-3) JV team and the Enterprise JV team would be the championship game. Enterprise came in as the defending champion looking to successfully defend their title but standing in their way would be the Opp Bobcats.

Josh Thompson led off the game with a single and then scored on a Wildcat error that would eventually load the bases for Opp. Enterprise held their own and got out of the jam but not before Thompson scored to give Opp a 1-0 lead with the Wildcats coming up to bat.

The Wildcats got a run in the bottom of the first inning when the lead off batter doubled and scored on a single later in the inning as Enterprise tied the score at 1-1 after one inning. Looking as if it might be a close game Opp went back to work in the top of the second inning with two outs as they loaded the bases and got two runs across on a costly Wildcat error that allowed the inning to continue.

The Bobcats scored two more runs after the error to take the lead at 5-1 heading to the third. In the third inning Steadman Gerber hit a double to left field and then would come around to score on a Josh Thompson double to put the Bobcats in total control of the game at 6-1. The Bobcats scored three more in the top of the fourth and with the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth with just one out the Bobcat pitching and defense ended the threat and any hopes of a Wildcat comeback getting the next two batters to end the inning. Opp went down quietly in the the fifth and got Enterprise out 1-2-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning to win the game 9-1 and capture the 2008 Basebrawl tournament championship.

The JV Bobcats were led by Brit Wilson who went a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate reaching base on all 4 plate appearances on a walk, 2 singles, and a double, with an RBI and 2 runs scored. Josh Thompson went 3 for 4 at the plate with 2 singles, a double, along with an RBI, and 2 runs scored.

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Bobcats stay undefeated in area

Baseball Varsity Boys = Opp 11 Daleville 1

With a 2-0 area record already Opp (4-5) looked to remain unbeaten in area play as they took on the Daleville Warhawks last Tuesday in Opp. After giving up a run in the top of the first inning Opp went to work in the bottom of the first inning when Joshn Dunn led off the inning with a base hit.

Two hit batters and a sacrifice later, Dunn scored to make it a 1-1 game, and then Opp turned up the defense. Daleville would never threaten again as Opp's defense and pitching limited the Warhawks to just three base runners the remainder of the game.

In the bottom of the second inning Opp would put the game away for good. Garrett Blair was hit by a pitch to start the inning and after four consecutive singles Opp would push five runs across to take a 6-1 lead entering the third inning. After the Warhawks went down in the third Opp came to bat again looking to add to its lead. Spencer Youmans got the inning started off with a single. Daleville hit the next two batters and then they would be brough home by Nicky Archie on a two RBI base hit that put the Bobcats up 10-1 needing just one more run to end the game in five innings.

After a quiet fourth inning for both teams Opp would get it final run in the bottom of the fifth. Nicky Archie led off the inning with a walk and he would come home to score on a Gavin Free single to end the game giving Opp the win 11-1 in just five innings. Every Bobcat batter reached base by a hit, walk, or a hit by pitch. The Bobcats were led by Nicky Archie who went 2 for 2 at the plate with 2 singles, a walk, 2 RBIs, and 3 runs scored. Zack Sasser went 2 for 2 as well with 2 singles, a hit by pitch, 4 big RBIs, and a run scored. On the mound Cody Hall went the distance giving up just 1 run on 6 hits with just 1 walk and 7 strikeouts.


Baseball JV Boys = Opp 18 Daleville 1

After winning two games the day before with ease the Opp (4-3) JV team looked to make it three in a row against Daleville last Tuesday. Neither team would score in the first inning and Daleville would go quietly in the second with Opp coming to bat in the bottom of the second inning. The Bobcats took advantage of a Warhawk errors and a walk with the bases loaded to take a 2-0 lead into the third. Daleville would get a run in the top of the third to cut the lead to 2-1 and it appeared at that point the game might be close, but that would short lived as Opp came to bat in the bottom of the third. The Bobcats would start the inning with the first seven batters reaching bases before Daleville even registered an out. All seven would come around to score as Opp scored eight runs in the inning taking command of the game at 10-1. The Warhawks had no answer as Opp shut them down in the fourth, and the Bobcats would add more in the bottom half of the fourth inning. Like in the third inning Opp would get eight runs again in the fourth inning taking advantage of six walks and two hit batters taking an enormous lead 18-1. The top of the fifth would be 1-2-3 for Daleville as Opp would get their third win in a row with ease winning the game by the score of 18-1.

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Bobcats take out Bulldogs

Baseball Varsity Boys
Opp 8 Andalusia 3

After a disappointing showing at last weeks Tournament in Enterprise, Opp (1-4) looked to make a fresh start to begin the regular season against CoCo rival Andalusia. The Bulldogs got on the board first - after a walk and a hit batter - Andalusia's clean up hitter rattled the fence with a triple bringing in two runners and a 2-0 lead at the end of the  first inning.

The Bobcats responded in the second scoring two runs of their own and started identical to the Bulldogs first - a walk and a hit batter.  Although the Bobcats scored as the ball went to the fence, it was the opposite fence.  Andalusia's misfortune was Opp's gain after a wild pitch caught inside the backstop fence for an automatic advancement of the bases bringing in the first Bobcat score, and then the next pitch was wild as well bringing Opp's second runner home tying the score at 2-2 after two innings.

Opp would add three more in the third when Gavin Free and Cody Hall both walked to lead off the inning. Mark Linton then hit a 2 RBI shot to the deepest part of the ballpark as Free and Hall came around to score to give the Bobcats a 4-2 lead - Linston was settling in at second.  With a runner on the Bulldogs walked the next batter, Joe Kyser, to put two on for Spencer Youmans who connected with an RBI single to right field scoring Linton and giving Opp a commanding 5-2 after three innings.

It appeared the Bulldogs would mount a comeback pushing one across in the fourth, but the games pivotal moment came with just one out.  A lazy pop up to deep second base was caught by Bobcat, Britt Wilson and the Bulldog runner at third base attempted to test Wilson's arm and would be "gunned down" at home to end the inning and any further threat of a Bulldog comeback.

The Bobcats added one in the fourth as Gavin Free singled to begin the inning and came around to score on a Joe Kyser sacrifice fly. The Bobcats sealed the win in the fifth with two on and two out and a routine ground ball hit back to the pitcher by Opp's Zack Sasser.  An error by the Andalusia pitcher who threw the ball too high for the first baseman to field allowed two more Bobcat runs.

Both teams went down quietly in the sixth and Andalusia managed to get two runners on in the top of the seventh but could not get a run across as the Bobcats held on to win their first game of the season 8-3 over the rival Bulldogs.

The Bobcats were lead by Gavin Free who reached base every time he stepped to the plate with a hit, 3 walks, and scoring 3 runs. Mark Linton went 1 for 2 at the plate with a huge double, 2 RBIs, a walk, a hit by pitch, and a run scored.

On the mound Cody Hall picked up his first win of the year going 3 innings and giving up 2 runs, 2 hits, with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. Gavin Free came in and pitched 4 strong innings in relief giving up just 1 run, 4 hits, 3 walk, and 3 strikeouts.

Baseball JV Boys = Opp 13 Andalusia 12

In a 3 hour marathon game that saw 25 combined runs with lots of walks and base hits, the Opp (1-0) JV team took on Andalusia in their first game of the season.

Andalusia drew a walk on their first two batters and managed to score one run on a fielder's choice to take a 1-0 with Opp coming up to bat. The Bobcats would respond in the bottom of the first with seven runs aided by four walks and a hit by pitch by the Bulldogs.

The Bobcats took a commanding 7-1 lead into the top of the third when the Bulldogs would strike. After retiring the first two out of three batters Andalusia went on a tear with two outs scoring nine runs in the inning aided by four Bobcat errors and a potential inning ending foul ball pop up that was not caught.

Down 10-7, Opp managed to get one runner across in the bottom of the third to cut the Andalusia lead to two, 10-8. Both teams went quietly in the fourth inning as Andalusia would get one more in the fifth to take an 11-8 lead.

The Bobcats would not quit and battled back in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game at 11-11 heading into the final two innings.

Andalusia would retake the lead in the sixth at 12-11, but the Junior Varsity Bobcats would respond with two more in the bottom of the sixth to take a 13-12 into the seventh.

After retiring the first two batters the Bobcats would make it interesting as pitcher Hunter Jones gave up two walks to put the tying and go ahead runs on base for the Bulldogs, but he would strikeout the final Bulldog batter to give the Opp JV a win in their first game of the season 13-12.

The JV Bobcats were lead by Tyler Harrison who went 2 for 3 at the plate with a base hit, a walk, 3 runs scored, and reaching on a fielder's choice. 

Baseball Varsity Boys
Bobcats 0-4 in Enterprise Tournament

Enterprise 8 Opp 3

The Bobcats played their second game of the 2008 season last Friday night against the host team of the Enterprise tournament the Enterprise Wildcats. Opp (0-2) played in another chilly night game that saw a good defensive game for 5 innings. Both teams each scored 1 run in the first inning for a 1-1 tie that lasted until the 3rd when Enterprise was able to push a run across in the 3rd making it 2-1 in favor of the Wildcats until the 6th as both teams played well in the field as neither team was able to threaten until the sixth inning. The top of the 6th became a nightmare for Opp as a 2-1 Wildcat lead became a 6-1 Wildcat lead due to 4 Bobcat errors in the inning. High throws and mishandled balls would lead Enterprise to score 4 runs in the inning while only coming up with 2 hits. The Bobcats would not quit as a fired up Bobcat team would come out and load the bases in the bottom of the 6th and would manage to get 2 runs across to cut the lead to 6-3 heading into the 7th. The top of the seventh inning would see Enterprise manage their only 2 earned runs of the night as they scored 2 more in the top of the 7th to extend the lead back out to 8-3. The Bobcats failed to get any runs across in the bottom of the 7th and the host Enterprise Wildcats won the game 8-3. Opp managed to outhit Enterprise 8 to 7 but 6 costly errors lead to 6 of Enterprise's 8 runs was the difference in the game. Zack Sasser lead the Bobcat bats going 3 of 4 from the plate with 3 singles and a run scored. Mark Linton was 1 of 2 from the plate with an RBI and a walk and a hit by pitch. Sam Helms started and pitched 3 innings giving up 2 runs on just 1 hit, striking out 2 and walking 2. Spencer Youmans pitched 4 innings in relief giving up 6 runs of which only 2 were earned, 6 hits, striking out 5, and walking none.

Carroll-Ozark 3 Opp 1

The Bobcats played the first of a 2 game doubleheader last Saturday in the Enterprise tournament against the Eagles of Carroll high out of Ozark. Opp (0-3) came in with a good chance to knock off the Eagles as Carroll was playing in their second game of the day. The Bobcats went quietly in the first inning as Ozark would strike first. After hitting the first batter of the game for the third straight game Carroll then drew a walk and a single before the Bobcats registered the first out as Carroll took a 1-0 lead. The very next hit would be the difference in the game as a double into left field drove in 2 more Carroll runners as they took a 3-0 lead after one inning. The score would remain 3-0 until the sixth inning as both teams played good defense as neither could threaten or push any runs across. The Bobcats had a scoring opportunity in the sixth as Gavin Free lead off the inning with a walk and then stole second base. Mark Linton would drive Free in on a single to left field cutting the lead to 3-1. Joe Kyser would follow with a single as well but both runners would be left stranded. The Bobcats made a strong run in the seventh inning to try to tie the game as they lead off the inning with a walk and got a single as well in the inning but were unable to any across as Carroll of Ozark held on for the win 3-1. Gavin Free lead the Bobcat bats going 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, a stolen base, and a run scored. Mark Linton went 1 for 2 with an RBI single and a walk. Nicky Archie also added a hit going 1 for 3. On the mound Gavin Free went 5 innings giving up 3 runs, 4 hits, striking out 4, and walking 4. Brit Wilson came in and worked 1 inning in relief giving up no runs or hits, and no walks or strikeouts.

GW Long 11 Opp 1

Opp (0-4) played in its second game of its doubleheader last Saturday night in the Enterprise tournament. This would also be the Bobcats fourth and final game of the tournament as they took on GW Long of Skipperville. The Rebels came out and struck first as their cleanup hitter took a shot over the left field wall to give Long a quick 2-0 lead after the first inning. The Bobcats got something going in the top of the third inning as Long hit the first two Bobcat batters of the inning, and after a passed ball moved the runners to second and third another passed ball by Long scored Zack Sasser for Opp's only run of the game as the Bobcats cut the Rebel lead to 2-1 after 2 1/2 innings. Long scored another run in the bottom of the 3rd inning off of 2 singles to take a 3-1 lead after 3 innings. Neither team would score in the fourth inning as the score remained 3-1 going into the bottom of the 5th. Long began the bottom of the fifth inning with 5 of their first 6 batters reaching base as they managed to score 5 runs in the inning on 3 hits to take an 8-1 lead into the 6th. Opp got the first batter of the sixth inning aboard via a walk but could not get him any further as Long came up to bat in the bottom of the inning. The Rebels got their first 3 runners of the sixth inning on with 2 walks and a hit batsman. Long followed that up with a double and a triple scoring 3 more runs and ending the game via the 10 run rule as GW Long won the game 11-1 in 6 innings. The Bobcats were held to just 2 hits for the game as Gavin Free and Garrett Blair both went 1 for 3 with 2 singles. Zack Sasser reached on a Rebel error and was hit by a pitch scoring the lone Bobcat run. On the mound Cody Hall went 4 1/3 innings giving up 8 runs on 7 hits, with only 1 walk, and 6 strikeouts. Mark Linton and Brit Wilson worked in relief giving up a combined 3 runs on 2 hits, with 4 walks and no strikeouts.

Bobcats fall to Henderson
Baseball Varsity Boys = Charles Henderson 6 Opp 1

Temperatures in the upper 40's and a chilling wind greeted the Bobcats for their first game of the 2008 baseball season. Last night Opp (0-1) played Charles Henderson of Troy in Enterprise as a part of Enterprise's week long tournament.

 The Trojans struck first in the top of the 1st inning when Troy was able to get a run without even getting a base hit.  A hit batter started the game, a walk to the next batter, then a balk by Opp moved the runners to 2nd and 3rd, followed by sacrifice fly putting Troy up 1-0 as the Bobcats came up to bat.

Leadoff hitter Josh Dunn got the Bobcats started with a leadoff hit and promptly stole 2nd base before being driven in on a Zack Sasser double to make the score 1-1 after the 1st inning.

The difference in the ball game would come in the 2nd inning as Troy struck for 3 runs in the inning off of Bobcat starter Cody Hall to take a 4-1 lead. The Bobcats looked as if they would answer in the 3rd inning as a timely hit looked to drive in a run but the runner was called out at the plate and the inning was over. Troy added another run in the 4th inning to make the score 5-1 as Hall departed the game after 3 1/3.

Opp got 2 runners on in the 6th inning but they were left stranded as Opp's Mark Linton was robbed of a base hit by the Troy centerfielder that would have resulted in 2 Bobcat runs. Troy added another run in the 7th by way of a Bobcat error and balk with the runner on 3rd base to make the score 6-1.

Opp managed a lead off hit in the bottom of the 7th but the Trojans struck out the final two Bobcat hitters to win the game 6-1. Zack Sasser went 3 for 3 to lead the Bobcats including driving the game's only run. Joe Kyser went 2 for 3, and Josh Dunn went 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Cody Hall started on the mound for the Bobcats going 3 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs and 5 hits, striking out 4 and walking 2. Gavin Free came and to shut down the Trojans going 3 innings of relief work.  Free gave up 1 run and 1 hit, striking out 4 and walking 1.

2007-2008

The Opp Bobcats prepare for the 2007-2008 season without many of their leaders from last season including East-West All-Star Rhett Barnes, but return EW-All Star Cody Hall. 

The 2008 Spring Schedule kicks off Tuesday, February 26 in Enterprise with a five team scramble with Charles Henderson, Carrol, GW Long, Enterprise and Opp.   

Also gone from last season Zach Spann who came on strong in the rotation for the Bobcats, but the Bobcats could return as many as 6 pitchers when the final roster is released early next year. 

2008 Schedule

2006 Season

Re-live the action - stories and pictures from last season